Studying online (if an online offering is shown below)
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit is taken as part of the Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology and in conjunction with DENT5657 The Law. It provides an overview of the structure of law enforcement agencies; protocols for continuity of evidence; function of the expert witness; legal implications of a mass disaster incident; report writing and preparation; and presentation of a case to a moot court.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate advanced skills in being an expert witness; (2) demonstrate the ability to write reports for the courts; (3) participate in the presentation of a case to a moot court; (4) understand the significance of confidentiality as it applies to forensic investigations; and (5) understand the legal implications of a mass disaster incident.
- Assessment
This comprises assignment work, one written examination (1.5 hours) and a viva voce examination (45 minutes).
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Stephen Knott
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Bachelor of Dental Science from this University or equivalent as recognised by the Faculty.
and at least two years' experience in the practice of general dentistry - Co-requisites
- enrolment inthe Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology (91350),
and DENT5657 The Law
Approved quota: 2 - Contact hours
- lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical work: 60–70 hours according to mortuary casework and court attendance
- Texts
-
Carvan, J. Understanding the Australian Legal System, 5th edn: Lawbook Company 2005
Colvin, E. et al. Criminal Law in Queensland and Western Australia, 2nd edn: Butterworths 1998
Cook, C. et al. Laying Down the Law, 6th edn: LexisNexis Butterworths 2005
Derham, D. P. et al. An Introduction to Law, 5th edn: Law Book Company 1986
Freckelton, I. and Selby, H. The Law of Expert Evidence: LBC Information Services 1999
Meek, M. The Australian Legal System, 3rd edn: LBC Information Services 1999
Rutherford, L. and Bone, S., eds Osborn's Concise Law Dictionary, 8th edn: Sweet and Maxwell 1993
Winfield, R. The Expert Medical Witness: Federation Press 1989
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.